Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

Able-bodied adults are those who are healthy and have not had a doctor diagnose a disability and who do not have dependent children living in their home.

SNAP (Food Stamps) allows able-bodied adults without dependent children to receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a period of 36 months without participating in an able-bodied employment or training activity. After the initial three months, an able-bodied adult is required to participate in these activities unless they are exempt from participation.

In order to continue receiving SNAP beyond 3 months, an Able-bodied adult must meet one of the following criteria:

Meet a Federal work requirement exemption

Be employed for at least 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month

Be enrolled in a training program for at least 20 hours per week

A combination of employment and enrolled in a training program for at least 20 hours per week